The authorities of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania have once again refused to allow the aircraft of Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico to use their airspace for a flight to Moscow to attend the May 9th celebrations. This was announced by official representatives of the Baltic countries.
Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna clearly confirmed Tallinn’s position: “Fico will not receive permission this year either to use Estonian airspace for a flight to Moscow for the May 9th parade, the purpose of which is to glorify the aggressor. We refused last year, and the same principle applies now.” According to the minister, Estonia will not allow its airspace to be used to strengthen ties with Russia as long as it continues its aggression against Ukraine and undermines European security.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico had previously announced himself that Lithuania and Latvia had already notified Bratislava of their refusal to grant overflight rights. “Lithuania and Latvia have already informed us that they will not allow us to fly over their territory on the way to Moscow. Well, so what — EU member states will not allow the prime minister of another EU member state to fly over their territory. I will certainly find another route, as I did last year,” Fico stated in a video address.
Riga explained the ban by citing “the political sensitivity of the flight’s destination,” while Vilnius referred to “technical and diplomatic sensitivity.” All three Baltic states are acting in unison, demonstrating solidarity with Ukraine and their refusal to provide any symbolic or practical assistance to events in Moscow, which they regard as a glorification of Russian aggression.
A similar ban was already imposed in 2025, when Fico was forced to take a considerably longer alternative route to the Russian capital.